Tips for motor vehicle drivers As the weather gets warmer in some areas, you may notice more bikes on the road. Learn how to be a better motorist while sharing the road. We have gathered some important information for both motorists and motorcyclists.
"Look twice, save a life" isn't just a slogan-it's solid advice. While safety should always be the main concern whenever you're driving, when automobiles and motorcycles begin to share the road in warmer months, it's a good idea to be extra vigilant.
Remember, motorcycles are vehicles with the same rights and privileges as any vehicle on the roadway. It's important for motorists to understand the safety challenges faced by motorcyclists, such as size, visibility and motorcycle riding practices, to know how to best respond to them.
Here are 10 tips for motor vehicle drivers:
1. Share the road, not the lane. Give the motorcyclist some space and don't share the lane. Car drivers should be aware that a motorcyclist may weave between traffic and momentarily share the lane. If this happens, slow down and keep a distance.
2. Increase your following distance for flashing turn signals. Turn signals do not always automatically cancel on a motorcycle, so make sure that they are not actually turning by giving the motorist some space.
3. A little annoyance to a car driver could be a major hazard to a motorcyclist. Motorcyclists may change speed or adjust their position in a lane to react to something on the road such as loose grass, gravel, potholes or grooved payments. As a car driver, one way to look out for a motorcyclist is to provide extra space for bikers to react.
4. Remember that motorcycles react and handle differently. In dry conditions motorcycles can stop quicker than cars. Allow more following distance so you have enough time to react if a bike stops suddenly in front of you.
5. Look in ALL directions during left turns. Vehicle accidents involving the collision of a left-turning car and an oncoming motorcycle can be severe, as oftentimes the motorcycle T-bones the car while it's in the left turn. Driving with extra caution while making left turns is just one way to increase motorcycle safety.
6. Treat intersections with special care. Many accidents that involve both automobiles and motorcycles occur at intersections. Always come to a complete stop, obey traffics signs and laws, and look both ways before proceeding.
7. Check your blind spots often. Some motorcycles may be small and difficult to see. ALWAYS make sure to check your blind spots as a safety precaution when driving, and especially when you are changing lanes.
8. Pass with care. When a car or truck passes a motorcycle it can sometimes create a gust of air that can cause a motorcycle to become unstable. When passing, make sure you are several car lengths ahead of the motorcycle before you return to your lane.
9. Keep the weather in mind. Give motorcyclists extra space during bad weather such as rain, snow or windy days.
10. Help riders stay safe at night. Keep a safe distance and make sure your high beams are off as motorcycles do not have extra tint to help keep them from being blinded by a bright light.
Bonus Tip: Did you know that when a large group of motorcyclists are riding together, they are usually doing it for a cause? This can be a benefit, or a poker run. When you see a very large group of bikers on the road, they are usually paying to ride in this group to benefit a local charity. Pull over, or slow down to allow all the bikes to pass you. If you are at a green light, wait until they all pass - as they usually stick together as a group.


Tips for motorcyclists
Motorcycles offer a fast and convenient way of transporting goods and people from one place to another. For this reason, these two-wheeled vehicles are utilized in delivery services, logistics, law enforcement, and emergency medical services. However, they come with a couple of road safety risks, just like any other vehicle.
One of the best ways to keep safe during motorcycle rides involves knowing what risks you can encounter on the road. Here are ten of the most common motorcycle safety tips you need to know:
1. Gear up Before hitting the road, make sure to own and wear these common things that you will need: DOT certified helmet, riding jacket, riding gloves, over the ankle shoes, eye protection and long sleeves. Remember to dress for the slide, not the ride.
2. Stay in your comfort zone - Know your abilities and what you can handle. Make sure you can touch the ground with your feet and you have a route that you are familiar with. If you are riding with a group, make sure to ride at your comfort level, not theirs. And never start showing off, that's when accidents happen.
3. Inspect your ride - Just like driving a car, you should do an inspection often on your bike. Taking a quick walk around your bike will give you an idea if there are any loose bolts, leaks, flats or other potential mechanical hazards. You also need to be diligent about regular care and maintenance, don't delay fixing something that can become hazardous on the road later.
4. Use your head. While your bike has mirrors, do not rely on them solely. You need to be looking around and over your shoulder constantly to make sure you are visible to other drivers on the road.
5. Watch the road. As a motorcyclist, you need to be aware of your surroundings. be vigilant for potential gravel or other unstable road conditions. Be careful when crossing railroad tracks or freshly painted roads, as they can be slippery.
6. Find your happy place. Never get on your bike when you are in a bad state of mind. Riding angry, drowsy or distracted can be a recipe for disaster. If your mind and emotions are anywhere other than the road ahead, you are susceptible to making rookie mistakes that can end in a crash, injuries or worse.
7. Know the forecast. Before hitting the road, always check the weather and be prepared. Wet or icey roads can and will become dangerous, whether it's the road conditions itself, or the visibility conditions. Rain can hurt when hitting you at 30 miles per hour.
8. Passenger Safety. NEVER put a passenger on your bike until you are ready. When you do, make sure that your passenger also has the proper gear on and knows how to do their part. Riding together can be fun and a great bonding experience, but you need to do it safely.
9. Brake for motorcycles. Just because you're on a bike, doesn't mean it's any easier for you to see other bikes. Always double check when changing lanes or turning.
10. Spread the love. There's no denying that motorcycles are often overlooked or regarded as the second-class citizens of the road. As a rider, you have the chance to help make that different. When you're on the road, always drive as if you are an ambassador for motorcyclists everywhere.
Ride with courtesy, care and awareness that you are representing motorcycles for those around you. Don't let an urge to prove a point or retaliate against an inconsiderate driver overwhelm your better judgment - after all, that takes away all the joy, which is why you're riding in the first place.
When all is said and done it boils down to this: wear your gear, know your bike and know your abilities. You can't control your environment, but you can control how you react to it. What other tips do you have to stay safe and sane on two wheels?

As always, you should be licensed and have run through a safety course, or even a refresher course before hitting the road. You can find available classes here Make sure to complete a class - you will most definitely learn something new and pick up GOOD riding habits. Stay safe!